Clockwise from top left: Dancers at the Uncle Sam Jam, a family all smiles at the Riverfront Park July Fourth celebration, and the Bluestone Ramblers playing on SpiritLine’s Red, White, and Bluegrass cruise; photographs (clockwise from top left) by Micheline Callicott & Adam MacConnell & courtesy of SpiritLine Cruises
June 30, 2016
Star-Spangled Weekend
Spend the holiday weekend at one or more of these area Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks shows
Two hundred and forty years ago, we declared our independence from Great Britain. Today, we celebrate our country’s birthday with cookouts, parades, boat excursions, and, of course, explosions in the sky. Here, we’ve compiled some of the best Independence Day events, many of which are free to attend.
Saturday
Sullivan’s Island
PARK CELEBRATION & FIREWORKS
Catch an early fireworks show from Sullivan’s Island. This kid-friendly event is the perfect way to kick off Independence Day weekend. J. Marshall Stith Park, 2050 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island. Saturday, dusk. Free. (843) 883-3198, sullivansisland-sc.com
Sunday
Downtown
RIVERDOGS FIREWORKS
Take your little ones out to the ballgame on the eve of Independence Day as the RiverDogs take on the Augusta GreenJackets. Children 12 and under receive coupons for a free meal (hot dog, fountain drink, and chips) and are invited to play catch on the field before the first pitch. Win or lose, stick around after the last inning for a fireworks show over the stadium. Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, 360 Fishburne St. Sunday, 6:35 p.m. $20-$8; free for Kids’ Club Members. (843) 723-7241, riverdogs.com
Monday
Downtown/ Mount Pleasant
FOURTH OF JULY BLAST AT PATRIOTS POINT
Pack up the cooler, grab a blanket, and head to Patriots Point’s annual Fireworks Blast. The celebration includes live music, jump castles, face painting, and refreshments available for purchase. The grassy area alongside the marsh is available for first-come, first-serve seating, with entertainment starting at 4 p.m. and fireworks beginning around 9 p.m. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, 40 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant. Monday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m. $10 parking. (843) 884-2727, patriotspoint.org
FOURTH OF JULY DINNER CRUISE
For an elegant night of dancing and fine dining, set sail on SpiritLine Cruises’ Spirit of Carolina. During this special dinner cruise, indulge in a grand four-course meal from inside the enclosed, air-conditioned dining deck before enjoying gorgeous views—plus Patriots Point’s fantastic fireworks displays from the top. Aquarium Wharf, 360 Concord St. Monday, 6:30 p.m. boarding; 7-10 p.m. cruise. $88. (800) 789-3678, spiritlinecruises.com
RED, WHITE & BLUE EVENT AT THE WATCH
The Restoration Hotel celebrates America’s 240th birthday with an exhibition of flags dating back to the mid-1800s—including 13-star, 37-star, and 48-star versions. After soaking up some history, make your way to one of the tallest vantage points in Charleston, The Watch Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits, for firework viewing, barbecue, and libations. The Restoration Hotel, 75 Wentworth St. Monday, 7 p.m. $75; $25 ages 20 & under. (877) 221-7202, therestorationhotel.com
4TH OF JULY PICNIC ON THE WATER
Families are in for a fun-filled picnic on the water on the Spirit of the Lowcountry. Snack on summertime fare; listen to Charleston’s DJ Ric Rush spin hit tunes; and take in an unobstructed view of the Patriots Point fireworks. Aquarium Wharf, 360 Concord St. Monday, 7:30 p.m. boarding; 8-10:30 p.m. cruise. $72; $50 ages 11-four; free for child under four. (800 ) 789-3678, spiritlinecruises.com
BLUES & BBQ
Climb aboard the Carolina Belle and set sail on an Independence Day celebration complete with live blues and barbecue. You’ll enjoy incomparable views from the open observation deck, the ideal spot to watch fireworks. Swig & Swine provides a barbecue buffet and blues band Shrimp City Slim rocks the boat all evening. Charleston Harbor Tours, 10 Wharfside St. Monday, 8-10 p.m. $54.95. (843) 722-1112, charlestonharbortours.com
RED, WHITE, & BLUEGRASS
Looking for more of a booze cruise? Hop aboard SpiritLine Cruises’ Red, White, and Bluegrass cruise, complete with a cash bar and live entertainment provided by local band The Bluestone Ramblers. Aquarium Wharf, 360 Concord St. Monday, 8:15 p.m. boarding; 8:30-10:30 p.m. cruise. $36. (800) 789-3678, spiritlinecruises.com
UNCLE SAM JAM
Party on the Mount Pleasant Pier this Independence Day and enjoy the views from the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge as one the area’s best fireworks displays lights up the sky. Groove to live beach music from Permanent Vacation while snacking on treats from Riverwatch Café. Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd., Mount Pleasant. Monday, 7 p.m. gates; 8 p.m. music. $10-$8. (843) 795-4386, ccprc.com
Isle of Palms/ Sullivan’s Island
ISLAND PARADE
Throw on your red, white, and blue to watch the parade curbside, or hop on a bike or golf cart to participate. The festivities conclude with refreshments at Island Club. Sullivan’s Island Elementary School, 2015 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island. Monday, 8:30 a.m. parade assembles; 9 a.m. parade starts. Free. (843) 883-3198, sullivansisland-sc.com
FOURTH OF JULY WATERMELON EATING SPECTACULAR
Tap into your competitive side at the Wild Dunes Resort Fourth of July watermelon-eating competition. Spectators can relax on the lawn or take a swim in the Palm Cove pool. Wild Dunes Resort, 1 Sundial Cir., Isle of Palms. Monday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $10. (866) 359-5593, wilddunes.com
VILLAGE PLAZA COOKOUT
What better way to celebrate July Fourth than with an all-American cookout? Reserve your spot ahead of time for this Isle of Palms feast offering barbecue chicken, pulled pork, potato salad, baked beans, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Village Plaza, 1 Sundial Cir., Isle of Palms. Monday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $35; $12 ages five-12. (888) 778-1876, wilddunes.com
FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT THE PIER
Grab a cooler, beach chair, family, and friends and head out to Front Beach at Isle of Palms for the annual Fourth of July fireworks show. Be sure to arrive early—traffic is expected and parking is limited! Front Beach, Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms. Monday, 9:15 p.m. Free. (866) 359-5593, wilddunes.com
North Charleston
JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION AT RIVERFRONT PARK
Don’t miss the Lowcountry’s largest Fourth of July fireworks show. Children play in the inflatable jump castles and giant sandbox while parents relax and enjoy food trucks, drinks, and live music. Along the banks of the Cooper River, the beautiful Riverfront Park is the perfect venue for this patriotic event. Riverfront Park, 1001 Everglades Ave., North Charleston. Monday, 3:30-9:45 p.m. Free. (843) 740-5853, northcharleston.org
Folly Beach
FOLLY BEACH FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Spend the afternoon playing on the beach or fishing off of the Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier before the sun sets on Independence Day. Then, as day turns to night, grab a blanket and watch the Folly Beach fireworks explode across the sky. Folly Beach, 101 East Arctic Ave., Folly Beach. Fireworks begin at dark. Free. (843) 762-9516, innatfollybeach.com
Kiawah Island
JULY FOURTH AT THE SANCTUARY
Grab your shovel and bucket and start the Fourth off with the Sanctuary’s family-friendly sand sculpting competition. Judging for the competition begins at noon, and prizes are awarded to “Most Patriotic” and “Most Creative” sculptures. End the night on the lawn or beach for a spectacular fireworks presentation. The Sanctuary Hotel, 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Kiawah Island. Monday, noon contest; 9:40 p.m. fireworks. Free. (843) 768-2121, kiawahresort.com
PATRIOTIC BIKE PARADE
Deck your bike in red, white, and blue for this parade lead by the Kiawah Fire Department, Uncle Sam, and Betsy Ross. It begins at 5:15 p.m. near East Beach Village on Sea Forest Drive and ends at Night Heron Park, where the Independence Festival in the Park includes live music, carnival games, face painting, and delicious fare. To round out this evening of family fun, Night Heron Park hosts a fireworks show beginning at 10 p.m. Night Heron Park, Kiawah Island Pkwy., Kiawah Island. Monday, 6-10 p.m. $15-$5. (800) 576-1570, kiawahresort.com
For more events this month, click here.
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